Join us for our Autumn Steam Gala, an extensive timetable of passenger and freight services will delight and entertain you throughout this four day event. 7828 Odney Manor will be joining our home fleet for this fantastic event.
Prepare to be transported back in time as we proudly hosts our famous annual Autumn Steam Gala. An extensive timetable of passenger and freight services will delight and entertain you throughout this four day event. This year, we are thrilled to announce the arrival of a very special guest locomotive, making its first-ever appearance on our historic tracks.
7828 Odney Manor
We are excited to welcome Great Western Railway Manor Class locomotive No. 7828 ‘Odney Manor,’ visiting us from the West Somerset Railway. Known for its stunning performance on the seaside line, Odney Manor will be an impressive addition to our lineup as it navigates the double-track mainline at the GCR.
GWR 6959 Class 6990 Witherslack Hall
LMS 8F Class 2-8-0 No.48305
BR Standard Class 5 4-6-0 No.73156
BR Class 2 2-6-0 No.78018
BR Class 2 2-6-0 No.78019
British Railways Class 20 D8001 (20001)
Derby Lightweight single car M79900 "Iris"
Indulge in a luxurious midweek journey on The Midlander First Class Dining Train, departing from Loughborough Central at 1:00 PM, on Thursday. Hauled by on of our guest locomotives, this train offers a refined setting with beautifully preserved carriages. Enjoy a delicious two-course meal complemented by tea and coffee, as you take in the breathtaking Charnwood countryside.
Board our evening steam trains departing from Loughborough at 18:30 and 20:00 on the Friday of the Gala. Experience the allure of steam travel during a beautiful Autumn evening, hauled by our amazing visiting locomotives. With food and drink available on board!
In partnership with Boscastle Locomotive Ltd, we're inviting you to step behind the scenes at the Loughborough Locomotive Works. Normally closed to the public, you'll be able to join our popular guided tours. Tours are free of charge and run between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, lasting about 50 minutes. While there’s no need to prebook, we welcome donations towards the overhaul of the historic locomotive, Boscastle. Don’t miss this unique chance to see the inner workings of steam locomotive maintenance and restoration, make sure to include it into your Autumn Steam Gala itinerary!
Griddle Car on trains marked 'A' on the timetable: Open for Food daily from 9.45 am to 2:30 pm for all day breakfasts. Butler Henderson Cafe, Quorn Open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Ellis Tearooms, Rothley Open Thursday and Friday 10am to 3:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 3:30pm. Loughborough Platform Refreshment Room Open Thursday and Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 4pm. Tin Shed Bar, Quorn The Tin Shed Bar at Quorn will be open throughout the Gala serving a range of cask beers plus ciders, wines, soft drinks, teas & coffees and light refreshments.
Thanks to our friends at Leicester Transport Heritage Trust, a free shuttle bus will operate between Loughborough Midland EMR station and Loughborough Central station. Owing to a weight restriction on the bridge at Central Station, buses will stop outside Lovatt House on the corner of Great Central Road and Wharncliffe Road, 150 yds from Central Station.
This years timetable will feature frequent train departures throughout the day. The current version of the working timetable is now available. *Please note that this timetable is subject to change.
On Thursday, free parking will be available in the station yard at Quorn & Woodhouse station. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, parking will be available in the field adjacent to the station at Quorn & Woodhouse station at £5 per car. Blue badge holders only may park free of charge in the station yard.
Tickets booked on-line offer a reduction on tickets bought on the day at booking offices.
Privilege / Friends fares apply to:
- Members of Friends of Great Central Main Line (FoGCML)
- Holders of TOC, or Network Rail staff passes and ex BR retiree passes
- Heritage Railway Association 'Privilege' passes, with a valid 'Privilege' membership card
- Working members of heritage railways with whom the GCR has reciprocal travel facilities
Passes must be shown to ticket inspectors (and to booking offices where tickets are bought there)
Registered disabled visitors are charged at a reduced rate. An accompanying registered carer is offered a free complimentary fare (but this free ticket must be obtained from a booking office before travel)
Students (with ID) may travel at reduced rates.
Dogs, cycles and large items of luggage are carried for a flat fee of £3 per day.
Runabout tickets only are available at this event. Short-hop and intermediate single and return tickets are not available.
For a full list of conditions of carriage, refer to the website gcrailway.co.uk